Emma Original Hybrid vs. Simba Hybrid

Emma vs. Simba Mattress Comparison - UK (2025)

Nicky
Written by Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

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Last updated: 13.02.2025 Reading time: 9 Min.

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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Get to know the rest of our team

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We first wrote this Emma vs. Simba comparison to put the brands' flagship mattresses - the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid - head-to-head.

However, Emma has since discontinued its all-foam bestseller and replaced it with the Emma Hybrid Original.

So, this updated version of our article compares the current flagship models, the Emma Hybrid Original and the Simba Hybrid, highlighting key differences and guiding you on which would be the best for you.

Emma vs Simba

Emma Hybrid Original vs Simba Hybrid mattress comparison

In a nutshell:

  • Choose the Simba Hybrid if you're after a premium mattress with excellent support that's perfect for side sleepers.
  • Choose the Emma Hybrid Original if you're after a budget-friendly mattress with good breathability designed for combination sleepers.

Regardless of whether you choose the Simba or Emma mattress, you'll get a high-quality model.

Our previous comparison juxtaposed the all-foam Emma Mattress Original with the foam-and-springs Simba Hybrid.

But since the Emma Original was discontinued, this newer comparison looks at the Emma Hybrid Original instead, leaving us with a comparison of much more similar products!

Below, you'll find a side-by-side comparison of the two mattresses.

Simba Mattress Hybrid Emma Hybrid Original
Type of mattress: Hybrid pocket spring mattress Hybrid pocket spring mattress
Mattress height: 25 cm (10 inches) 22 cm (8.6 inches)
Mattress layers:

Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam

Aerocoil mini conical pocket springs

Stability layer

Certipur foam base

Moisture-wicking Airflow foam

Firmer support foam

3-zoned pocket sprung base
Firmness: Medium-firm with a softer feel Medium-firm with a firmer feel
Stability & support:

Excellent edge-to-edge support and pressure distribution

 Orthopaedic support with good pressure distribution
Suitable for:

Light- and average-weight sleepers

Side sleepers

People who enjoy a medium-firm mattress with a slightly softer feel

Heavy sweaters

Restless sleepers

Light- and average-weight sleepers

Combination sleepers

People who like a medium-firm feel

Those needing orthopaedic support
Temperature: Excellent temperature regulation Very good temperature regulation
Motion isolation: Low motion transfer Low motion transfer
Mattress cover:

Hypoallergenic cover that's removable & machine-washable at 40℃ with 4 side carrying handles for larger sizes

 Hypoallergenic cover that's removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles

Even though the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are both high-quality hybrid choices, they're still vastly different mattresses suited to different sleep profiles.

Emma vs Simba: Which mattress is best suited to you?

Simba mattress or Emma mattress?

The Simba Hybrid and Emma Hybrid Original mattresses are both very comfortable, but they're suited to different types of people.

Both, though, are excellent choices if you're looking for something more environmentally friendly.

The Emma Hybrid Original and the Simba Mattress Hybrid are both free from harmful chemicals and toxins and adhere to UK fire regulation BS7177. 🔥

Simba Hybrid: Premium choice for superior support and breathability

Both the Simba mattress and the Emma mattress are rated as medium-firm, but we've always found the Simba mattress to be slightly softer.

It offers excellent support, even pressure distribution, and optimal spinal alignment regardless of which sleeping position you prefer.

It's comfortable if you sleep on your back, but we'd highly recommend the Simba Hybrid to side sleepers. 😴

This mattress also offers excellent edge support, meaning you can use the full width of the mattress without ever feeling like you're falling off the sides.

It's also easy to move around on, making it suitable for restless sleepers.

Simba mattress sitting on side - best mattress?

Simba mattress side sleeper - best mattress?

Finally, the Simba Hybrid has been designed with breathability and airflow in mind, making it an excellent choice for heavier sweaters prone to overheating.

Choose the Simba mattress if you:

  • Are a light- or average-weight sleeper
  • Sleep on your side or back
  • Prefer medium-firm mattresses with a slightly softer feel
  • Are a warm sleeper or sweat a little more heavily
  • Are a restless sleeper
  • Want good edge support
  • Are after a premium mattress

The Simba mattress cover is also removable and washable at 40℃.

BUY SIMBA HYBRID£ 649

Emma Hybrid Original: Budget-friendly option for combination sleepers

The Emma mattress is slightly firmer than the Simba Hybrid, making it an excellent choice for lighter- or average-weight people with different sleep profiles.

It may still be too soft for heavier-weight people or pure stomach sleepers, but those who prefer a touch of firmness will likely sleep more comfortably on the Emma than the Simba.

This new version of the Emma Original favours a pocket-sprung base with airflow technology but still features memory foam, so it'll offer good orthopaedic support.

Choose the Emma mattress if you:

  • Want body-hugging orthopaedic support
  • Are shopping on a budget
  • Are of lighter or medium build
  • Are a combination sleeper
  • Prefer medium-firm mattresses with a slightly firmer feel
  • Want a no-fuss mattress with a removable and machine-washable cover

The Emma Hybrid Original will be an excellent option if you're looking for something more budget-friendly.

But, quality-wise, it can't compare to the more premium Simba Hybrid, or even the more premium Emma models, like the Emma Hybrid Premium or the Emma Hybrid Thermosync.

EXTRA 5% OFF IF YOU USE OUR LINK

-10% EMMA HYBRID ORIGINAL£ 260.10

Despite both mattresses featuring machine-washable top covers, we'd always recommend investing in a mattress protector - regardless of whether you choose the Emma or Simba mattress or any other mattress on the market!

Mattress protectors safeguard against moisture, spills, and bacteria, elongating the lifespan of your mattress.

Check out these mattress protectors:

Emma vs Simba mattress composition

The Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are two very different mattresses.

Simba mattress composition

The Simba Hybrid is a hybrid pocket-sprung foam mattress with 5 layers in total:

  • Soft, removable sleep surface
  • Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam
  • Up to 2500 Aerocoil conical pocket springs
  • Stabilising core foam layer
  • Zoned CertiPur [1] foam base

The Simba Hybrid has a total height of 25 cm (9.8 inches).

Simba Sleep Hybrid mattress composition

Simba mattress UK height

Emma Sleep mattress composition

The Emma mattress is a foam mattress with a pocket base, consisting of 3 layers in total:

  • Soft-touch Emma cover
  • A top layer of pressure-relieving Airgocell foam
  • Stability HRX (High Resiliency Extra) foam layer
  • Steel pocket sprung base

The Emma Hybrid Original has a total height of 22 cm (8.6 inches).

Simba mattress vs Emma price and size comparison

Price differences vary depending on the mattress dimensions, but the Simba Hybrid mattress is generally more expensive than the Emma Hybrid Original - primarily due to its more premium composition.

The brands occasionally run promotions - if available, current discount codes will be highlighted throughout this article.

UK mattress sizes

Both brands are available in standard UK mattress sizes and some European sizes. 🇬🇧🇪🇺

These include all UK sizes, from single to super-king size, as well as the European single-size mattress, the European double mattress, and the European queen mattress.

How do the Emma and Simba delivery conditions and trial periods differ?

The Emma Hybrid Original and the Simba Hybrid are bed-in-a-box mattresses, delivered straight to your front door in a compact box.

The table below gives a brief overview of the remarkably similar delivery conditions.

Simba Sleep Emma Sleep
Delivery: Bed-in-a-box principle Bed-in-a-box principle
Delivery time: Next-day delivery 3 - 7 working days
Delivery cost: Free delivery within mainland UK Free delivery within mainland UK
Trial period: 200-day trial period 200-night trial period
Returns: Free returns Free returns
Warranty: 10-year guarantee 10-year guarantee

You can get a tad more detail on the Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep delivery conditions in the sections below:

Free delivery

The Emma and Simba mattresses are delivered straight to your home, rolled up and vacuum-sealed in a compact box.

The boxes have been deliberately designed to fit through any narrow passageway and can easily be handled by one person - depending on the mattress size, of course.

simba mattress delivery

emma mattress rolled up

Both brands have a fast delivery time and offer free delivery within the UK.

Once unpacked and the vacuum seal removed, both the Emma Hybrid Original and the Simba Hybrid will expand to their full size within a few hours.

Risk-free trial periods and free returns

Both mattresses come with a 200-day risk-free trial period.

Risk-free trials allow you to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home, allowing your body to get used to it.

risk-free trial period - best mattress

After all, it can take the body a while to become accustomed to a new mattress.

If you're not convinced that the mattress is right for you during your trial, you can return it for a full refund.

Both Emma and Simba offer free returns.

10-year guarantee

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid mattresses also come with a 10-year guarantee.

This warranty will cover you in case of manufacturing defects or premature sagging.

Terms and conditions apply.

The only real difference between the two brands is that Simba Sleep offers FREE next-day delivery, while you'll have to wait a little longer for your Emma mattress.

What else do Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep offer?

The Simba vs Emma mattress debate goes further than just mattresses - once you've invested in one of the best mattresses on the market, you also need sleep accessories to kit out your bedroom fully.

Luckily, both Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep offer fantastic sleep accessories and a few premium bed bases and frames.👌

This is just a small selection - there is much more!

Some of our favourite accessories:

Mattress overview: Advantages and disadvantages

Here is a table overview of the advantages and disadvantages of both mattresses.

Simba Hybrid mattress Emma Hybrid Original mattress
Advantages:

Innovative structure with a slightly springy feel.

Very comfortable for side sleepers and back sleepers.

Adapts well to the body.

Very good breathability.

Removable and washable cover.

Free delivery and returns.

200-night trial period.

Available in a wide range of sizes.

Gives you more of that "sleeping-on-a-cloud" feeling.

Offers excellent adaptability and high point elasticity for orthopaedic support.

Well-suited to combination sleepers

Machine-washable top cover.

Free shipping and free returns.

200-day risk-free trial period.

10-year guarantee.

100% vegan.
Disadvantages:

The mattress is quite heavy.

May be too soft for some sleepers.

Not ideal for restless sleepers.

The side carrying handles are a little weak, especially for the larger mattress sizes.

Which mattress is better, the Emma Hybrid Original or the Simba Hybrid?

As you'll hopefully discover in our Emma vs Simba review, both the Emma Hyrbid Original and the Simba Hybrid are high-quality mattresses that offer comfort and support for the best night's sleep.

One isn't necessarily better than the other, but they are suitable for very different types of people.

The Simba Hybrid is best suited to:

  • Light- and average-weight sleepers.
  • People who sleep on their side or back.
  • People who like a medium-firm feel, leaning towards softer support.
  • People who prefer more edge support.
  • Heavy sweaters.
  • Restless sleepers.

The Emma Hybrid Original is best suited to:

  • People of lighter or medium build.
  • Combination sleepers.
  • People who prefer firmer mattresses.
  • People who require an orthopaedic mattress that will offer body-hugging comfort and relieve pressure points.

Regardless of your choice, you'll get to enjoy a risk-free trial period, giving you the chance to try out the mattress in the comfort of your own home.

Contact Emma Sleep UK and Simba Sleep UK

If you need to get in touch with these brands directly, you'll find the respective contact details below.

Contact Emma Sleep UK

Customer service: To contact Emma UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at support@emma-mattress.co.uk or complete their online contact form [2].

Registered office: Emma Matratzen GmbH, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Str. 78, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Contact Simba Sleep UK

Customer service: To contact Simba Sleep directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@simbasleep.com or visit their live online chat. The customer services team is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

Registered office: Simba Sleep, The Stable Yard, 60 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EU

Table of Contents

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the other Emma and Simba mattresses?

    Emma and Simba both offer a range of mattresses.

    Our Emma mattress reviews:

    Our Simba mattress reviews:

    Regardless of what you're after - budget, mid-range, or premium - Simba and Emma have got you covered.

  • Should you choose the original Emma, Eve, or Simba mattresses?

    If you're torn between the Emma Original, Eve mattress, and the Simba Hybrid, then you'll have to choose one of three very high-quality options.

    We would recommend you read our full Emma vs Simba review here, as well as our Emma vs Eve review and Eve vs Simba review.

    • The Emma Original is a memory foam mattress with good orthopaedic properties that's well suited to lighter-weight side sleepers.
    • The Eve Original is a memory foam mattress better suited to a wider range of sleeping positions.
    • The Simba Hybrid is a hybrid mattress that's good for restless sleepers, heavier sweaters, and those requiring a little more support.

    All three mattresses come with a risk-free trial period, so you can return them for a full refund if you're not 100% satisfied.

  • Should you choose the original Emma, Simba, or Nectar mattresses?

    While both the Emma Original and the Nectar are memory foam mattresses, the Nectar can be regarded as more of a pure memory foam mattress.

    In terms of composition, the Nectar is an entirely different mattress from the Simba Hybrid, and much firmer than the Emma Original or the Simba Hybrid.

    It is particularly well-suited to sleepers of average weight who like a firmer feel.

    • Choose the Emma Original if you're a lighter-weight side sleeper and want an orthopaedic mattress.
    • Choose the Simba Hybrid if you need breathability and enjoy a cooler feel when sleeping.
    • Choose the Nectar if you're of average weight and like the memory foam feel.

    The Emma Original and Simba Hybrid come with a 200-day trial period, while the Nectar comes with a 365-night trial.

    This means you can try any of these mattresses for an elongated period to see if they're right for you. 

    And if they're not, you can return them for a full refund.

  • Who wins in the Simba vs Emma vs Tempur mattress debate?

    The Simba is very different to the Emma and Tempur mattresses, as this is largely a sprung mattress.

    The Emma and Tempur, in contrast, are memory foam options.

    Tempur is world-renowned for its high-quality memory foam mattresses, and they do come with a price tag that matches the reputation.

    If you have the budget available, these are excellent purchases.

    But you'll also get fantastic sleep on a Simba or Emma!

  • Can I buy the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress on Amazon?

    Both the Simba Hybrid mattress and the Emma mattress used to be available on Amazon in the UK, but currently you'll only find Simba mattresses in stock.

    Amazon in the UK is better than other stockists or independent retailers.

    You generally get the same trial period and delivery conditions as when you buy from the mattress brands directly.

    Occasionally, you'll even get the same discounts! 

  • Looking back: Emma Mattress Original vs Simba Hybrid mattress comparison

    If you'd like to read our in-depth analyses of the Emma Original and Simba Hybrid mattresses, we suggest you turn to our best mattress reviews:

    Even though the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are both high-quality choices, they are very different in composition.

    The Simba mattress is a hybrid model that combines conical mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam, while the Emma mattress is largely a memory foam model.

     

    Interestingly, Simba used to be a pocket-sprung memory foam mattress, and the older version featured a layer of memory foam and a layer of latex foam, making it more similar to the Emma Mattress Original. 

    The composition of the Simba has since gone through multiple changes - the latest model is both more breathable and more eco-friendly.

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

Get to know the rest of our team

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Comments

personCatherine
June 2024 thumb up
Very helpful as couldn’t make my mind up what to go for.I decided to go for the Simla after reading your article. Thanks

Reply

We’re glad to hear that the information provided was exactly what you needed!

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